By
the time Gerald Albright finally drags his way to “Don’t Hold Back” on
the album Groovology, the listener is desperately wishing this
accomplished saxophonist had taken his own advice. A title like
“Groovology” suggests that this project is a course in beat-happy jazz
music, but Albright still sounds like he could use a few more lessons
in basic funk academics.

His attempts at working up grooves fall short most of the time. “Ain’t
No Stoppin’” is a light funk tune, co-written by keyboard player Jeff
Lorber, highlighted by slapping bass. The track “Groovology” also
stands out for its staccato horn part, which was arranged by Albright.
These tunes have memorable elements, but they ultimately fail to raise
the roof.

Albright never truly brings on the noise here. Too many of these cuts
feel more like late night cool downs. “Change The World” (the fairly
recent Eric Clapton hit) is given a silky smooth treatment due to
Luther “Mano” Hanes’ singing. It takes on the feel of a Manhattan
Transfer jazz vocal, combined with a gospel choir, while the vocal vamp
at the end is reminiscent of Take 6. “I Will Always Love You” is not
the Dolly Parton-penned Whitney Houston hit but is instead another
lame-o smoocher, and even Albright’s fiery tenor saxophone solo can’t
save it. “I Need You” is one more smooth jazz run-through. Terrell
Carter both wrote and sings the number.

“We Fall Down” closes the album in a very gospel-y manner. It sounds
something like a smooth soul choir. It may not earn a chapter in any
“Groovology” textbook, but it’s an effective church-y song, nonetheless.

The playing of Albright’s sidemen here is topnotch throughout. The
production is crisp, clean and radio-ready from top to bottom.

Albright is a fine player, but he hasn’t yet mastered the ability to
match his fine jazz chops to equally fine funk beats. David Sanborn is
a good example of someone who can play pop tunes in a funky way, yet
never sounds like he’s sold out. Had Albright used some of these pop
tunes as jumping-off points for improvised jams, “Groovology” would
have earned straight A’s. As it stands, Albright’s report card ought to
be noted with, Could do better.”